This golf season may mark the beginning of a dynasty, a development that could solidify Haverford’s reputation as a dominant force in Inter-Ac history. With last year’s Hall of Fame Team set in stone, how can this year’s golfers ever live up to such a high standard?
Fifth Former Harry Neilly said, “Coming off last year, I think we know we can compete and win. Our team has the mindset that it’s us against ourselves. We can win it and lose it.”
“Every year, both schools are talented,” Head Coach Mr. Stephen Cloran said.
The team prepares to take on the current Inter-Ac champs, Episcopal Academy, in a head-to-head, better-ball match.
“We feel good and we know what we need to do,” said Fifth Former Quinn Gallagher. “A lot of our Inter-Ac matches have come down to like one or two shots, so it’s really between who stays in it longer and mentally in it.”
This year’s theme for the golfers is revenge.
“It matters more to us. We go into everything with the same intent, but this one means a little more.”
Quinn Gallagher ’27
Neilly said, “We had a disappointing year losing the Inter-Ac to EA. We lost two Inter-Ac matches by one shot, which ultimately led EA to take the title out of our hands. We also lost to EA and Malvern in states by two shots, so the team is fired up and looking for revenge.”
Coach Cloran has been preparing the team on and off the course.
“The players and I have been having meetings leading up to EA Day, and they’ve also been playing several practice rounds together. So, preparations have been ongoing both on and off the course.”
While Haverford is considered an underdog, Coach Cloran is not letting his players feed into this narrative.
“In my old age, I’ve learned to just control what I can control. I can’t control the labels ‘favorite’ or ‘underdog,’ and it shouldn’t affect how we compete,” Coach Cloran said. “I just focus on my boys and what we can do. I’ve been on both sides of that line, and at the end of the day, your label doesn’t determine your effort or your heart.”
While other matches are important, Gallagher believes that EA Day is one of the most significant for the team, adding another layer of intensity.
“It matters more to us. We go into everything with the same intent, but this one means a little more,” Gallagher said.
Head of School Mr. Tyler Casertano expressed his eagerness for this matchup.
“I love watching golf. I hope we’ll have as many Haverford boys as possible out there supporting the team. As Coach Cloran said, EA is playing really well, and our guys are up for the challenge. They’ll need all the support they can get from the Haverford community,” Mr. Casertano said.
In all, Coach Cloran just wants his team to go out and have fun.
“EA Day is such a great day, so I want them to just relax and enjoy it. It’s a team event; they go out in pairs, so I encourage them to really lean on each other on the course,” Coach Cloran said. “The main mantra is: we’ve done it before, so we should have the confidence that we can do it again. Athletes play best when they relax and have fun.”
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